Day 5 - June 5, 2010

June 5

OMG…I am still suffering with this sucky cold.  I can’t believe it!  I need this to be done, because I have no energy!

After breakfast at the hotel…we took the kids into DC.  It was slightly overcast, but still very hot.  We parked close to the White House (NY Ave and 18^th Street) and headed over to the Mall.  First stop was the Washington Monument.  The kids were impressed, although Bear was very perturbed that he couldn’t cut the line and walk right up and into the monument.  We opted not to try and go up…for obvious reasons.  Then we walked (while listening to all the kids complain, except Hunter – you’d think they were walking across hot coals) to the Lincoln Memorial.  I was excited, because when we lived here, both the Washington Monument and Lincoln were under renovation and you couldn’t get close.  I love the view from the top of the Lincoln Memorial, looking over the Reflecting Pond to the Capitol.  So beautiful.

We trekked back to the car to park closer to the Capitol, because we just couldn’t listen to the gruesome foursome anymore.  They were too much.  We went to the Capitol and the Museum of American History.  In the museum, Barrett had a complete melt down, so Rich took him off on his own.  I perused the First Lady and Presidential exhibits with the other three. 

It was really cool when the kids saw Dorothy’s red glass slippers…they were so excited!  Too fun.

We didn’t stay long because of Bear (and me).  I was really fading fast.  Felt like crap.  After lunch in Bethesda, we went back to the hotel so Rich could take the kids to the pool and I could sleep.

We met cousin Gregg for dinner in Germantown.  It was so good to see him – he looks great.

Tomorrow, Rich goes home, earlyL.  We won’t see him again for two weeks…the longest we’ve EVER been apart. 

Silly Band Award: Hunter (and Audie was mad – let me tell you).

Location :  Still in Bethesda

Quote of the day:  Cammy, “Look, the White House!” – every time he saw a white building.

Day 4 - June 4, 2010

June 4^th, 2010

So last night was very eventful!  At about midnight, the hotel’s fire alarm went off.  Holy sh&*!  It scared me.  I was very disoriented when I woke…wasn’t sure whether or not I was dreaming.   I opened the door and fortunately didn’t smell smoke….but there was a PA announcement saying “Exit Immediately.”  I needed this like a needed a hole in my head!  I was shaking, trying to decide if this was really necessary.  I know that sounds absurd…but I really didn’t know if I could handle four kids out in the parking lot with a hotel full of people.  And the alarm was sooo loud…Barrett would certainly freak.  Ironically, all four of the kids were sleeping through the noise.

But, what if there really was a fire?  I grabbed my purse, phone & car keys.  I told everyone to get up.  Hunter and Audrey were very confused and I told them to pretend they were at school.  I picked Cammy up out of the crib and yelled a little to get Bear up.  He wasn’t moving.  I had to shake him and I told him it was a fire drill.  Would you believe he got right up and put his shoes on? 

So off we went…down 7 flights of stairs.  When we got to the parking lot there was no explanation and definitely no one in charge.  I was so shocked that the three walking children were holding hands and following me that I just kept on moving to our car.  I got them all in the car, when they asked what was going on.  Poor babies looked confused and I couldn’t answer them.  I locked the car and went over to the crowd, but no one knew anything.   I called Rich…not that he could do anything, but who else could I call at midnight?  Then three fire trucks showed up, so I went back to the car.  I looked at the four kids and I just started chuckling.  I mean seriously, I could not believe what was happening.  But at least I had my kids and we were safe.  I was also pretty damn happy that I had my phone, money, credit cards & ID.  When do I have it that together?

They let us back in after an hour.  Miraculously, the kids all went back to bed without any arguments.  I, unfortunately, tossed and turned for about an hour.

Morning brought us daddy and we were all excited to see him.  While he worked, I took the kids to meet Stephanie, a former speech therapist of the boys. 

After lunch, we took all the kids to our old house, in Ellicott City.  It was really weird…I felt nothing, truly nothing.  It was like I was looking at any house, in any neighborhood, in any town.  I think I was really broken when we lived there.  Yet, there were some good times.  It was the home where we brought Audrey after she was born…and the home where Hunter learned to speak.  Those were two very bright lights in an otherwise very dark period.

We also went to Rich’s home, where he grew up & his school for grades K-8.  He has such wonderful memories of his childhood in Maryland and it was really cool to share them with the kids.  After our trips down memory lane…we headed to D.C.

I’ve caught Cammy's cold and I’m kinda miserable.  Tired, congested, and coughing.  I pray it passes fast…as it did for Cammy.  Of course this doesn't bode well for the health of Bear, Hunt & Aud in the coming week.

We’re staying in Bethesda, at a full service Marriott.  Its really nice – thanks Barb!  I took the kids to the pool and then we ordered room service when we got back to the rooms.  Rich met up with an old friend form UF and the kids and I headed to bed early!!!

Quote of the day:  Some lady in the bathroom stall next to mine, “Oh hello.  Who might you be?” – to Cammy, after he crawled under her door into her stall while she was using the toilet!

Silly Band Award:  Audrey- barely!

Traveled:  Ellicott City – DC  31 miles/45min

Lodging:  Bethesda Marriott

Day 3 - June 3, 2010

June 3^rd

We left Raleigh at 6:45a.m.  It was easier to pack up and load than I’d anticipated.  I did most of it before the kids woke up!  They were very slow to rise this morning (as opposed to when I want to sleep in).  We hit the road without breakfast because I really wanted to beat the morning traffic.  It was an easy drive up to Richmond – with the exception of an unnecessary shriek from Audrey just south of Richmond that so startled me…I swerved.  That bought her a one-way ticket to the back seat.  And then the bickering continued over what they were going to watch…so I declared no DVDs for the remainder of the day.  That wasn’t smart because then they loudly entertained themselves for the remaining 2 ½ hours….droning out Mrs. Bush’s monotone voice (listening to her autobiography).  That was kind of okay as she was droning on about Katrina (although her 9/11 chapters were pretty powerful…made me cry and momentarily rethink my DC destination).

Anyway…we got to Howard County Maryland in just over 5 hours.  It is as pretty as ever.  It’s hard to believe that 5 short/long years ago this was our home.  At the hotel the Front Desk Supervisor took pity on me (after seeing the kids and our mountain of luggage) and upgraded us to a bigger room…he also helped with the luggage, how sweet was that?  Shout out to Big A for hooking us up.  The Columbia Sheraton is beautiful and has had a face lift since we last saw it.  Also…the kids discovered the wonders of room service.  They were too cute, “pretending” that our room was a restaurant.  After which, they were  FINALLY rewarded with a trip to the hotel pool!

We got to see lots of people from our Maryland lives who were key to getting the boys on their respective paths.  Mary, Sean, Linda, Debbie, & Beth…we will always be grateful.  Maxine & Frank David, thank you for all the respite.

The kids had a rough day.  Audrey was out of control…truly a pain-in-the-you-know what.  She was a smart-ass and a show off, she also didn’t listen and was mean to all three boys.  Ready to send her back with Rich.  Hunter decided to leave the pool area and go to the restroom…fine, but he didn’t tell me.  Barrett got over-whelmed at Clyde’s (a restaurant that was over-crowded and loud) and dropped to the ground.   Finally, Camden pitched a 5-alarm fit when I didn’t get him ice cream.  Currently, no one’s really talking to anyone!  (This is fine with me.)

Silly Band Award…no one!

Raleigh to Howard County’ 308 miles/5 ½ hours

Quotes of the day:

 Cammy - “No more car!”, Screamed when he awoke from his nap and we were stuck on the Washington Beltway.

Audrey - “I wish we still lived here, I really like that boy at the play gym, he was cute.  Mommy replied, “Audrey, there are cute boys everywhere.”  Audrey, “You’re right, because I kind of think ALL boys are cute!”

Day 2 - June 2, 2010

June 2^nd

The day started off pretty good. We all woke up between 6 & 6:30 (thanks to Aud).  Everyone bathed and we ate breakfast in the hotel lobby.  It was a buffet and we made it through without incident…yeah!  I was feeling pretty cocky….didn’t even finish my coffee…I was ready to get the day started.

We were supposed to meet Deb at the Kids Museum at 10a.m.  I got directions and we headed out.  The sky was starting to clear and I mentioned that maybe we could go swimming later (perhaps a mistake, in retrospect).  We were all in an awesome moodJ.    Kid Rock came on the radio and we were all singing.  I thought, “Who said I can’t do this?”

We met Deb and we went into the museum… and immediately Barrett took off.  I mean immediately.  I ran after him…it was total sensory overload…load, bright & crowded.  Deb watched the other three (at this point, she had no idea what she was in for) and I tried to corral Bear.  I went to get my wallet to give money to Deb.  Guess what?  No wallet!  Strangely, I somehow remained calm.  I kept thinking…if it’s not here…it’s at the hotel, right?  So this is what consumed my thoughts as I chased Bear around….and he was really being a jerk.  He was so pissed that I insisted he hold my hand…literally a tug of war. 

Eventually we make it to a room with one entrance where they cold all play, while I stood at the exit, trying to catch up with Deb – all the while, wondering  where an the world my wallet was.  As for the wallet I figured it was in:  1) the car  2) the parking garage/sidewalk 3) the hotel lobby or 4) the hotel room.  I called the hotel…not in the lobby. 

Then, over the loud speaker, there was an announcement that a special guest had arrived….Elmo!  Oh Good God.  So we go off in search of Elmo.  Shocking, but for this…all four were awesome.

After an hour and at least one escape attempt by each of the older three…we were out of there.  I raced back to the hotel with my stomach in knots….trying to figure out how I’d get out of Raleigh with no bank card, cash, credit card or drivers license.  Road Trip cut tragically support by my dumbassness.  But fortunately, the wallet was at the hotel.

There were a number of other aggravating instances today…due to whining, fighting, and trying to find a place to eat that would satisfy all of us.  I don’t want to rehash. ..but will mention the damn elevator and the knockdowns over WHO WAS GOING TO PUSH THE BUTTONS!  Good God! 

It was hot and humid and every time we were at the hotel…it started raining, so no swimming.  We headed to the Kaufman's in the late afternoon to swim and have dinner.  But by the time we got to their house it was thundering and lightening.  Audrey kept asking to go to the pool and every time she said “pool”, Barrett put his shoes onL.

Deb & Marc’s kids, Hannah & Noah, are beautiful!  And they were very sweet…especially to Barrett.  On a scale of 1-10, Bear was about a 6.5.  He was pretty wound up, for sure….and he left his calling card in their toilet (which Noah complained about-not that I blame him!).  Nice dinner…salad & pizza.  I was getting ready to say our “goodbyes” on a good note when I looked out the window and saw that Barrett had jumped the metal, spiked fence and was swimming in their neighbor’s pool!

Cammy still has a cold and he’s pretty miserable.  Next trip – I’m definitely getting two rooms…one for them and one for me.  Can’t relax when they’re all running around like little you-know-whats.

Quote of the day:  Hunter – “What is your problem!?”  After Audrey described the Barbie that Hannah gave her as having a nice bum but her boobs were stuffed too big.  Not sure where she’s getting this?

Praying for a calmer day tomorrow.  Heading to Maryland!

 

Day 1 - June 1, 2010

June 1^st

Our fist day and we were all sooo excited.  We took off at the exact departure time that mommy had planned (and daddy said was impossible).  Ha. Ha.

The drive form Cumming to just south of Greenville NC was uneventful…and dare I say peaceful!  I was on target for a noon arrival…when I got seriously tripped up.  I got confused when 85N had signs for 85 Business N ??? and an exit for 70E…which coincidently was the exit (70E) that I needed in Raleigh.  Uhgggg!  Long story short, I almost ended up in Virginia…two days too early.  I had to call Rich for help, which sucked, because every where I exited was scary!  He got me back on track, but we lost an hour.

During the drive, I’ m listening to the Laura Bush autobiography in the car, while the kids watch movies.  It’s okay …interesting, but not juicy.  Glad it’s my only option or I doubt I’d get through it.

After finally checking in (and a few wrong turns…not in my grove yet)…we quickly headed out to see the Steimetzes, particularly Will, Hunter’s BFF from 2^nd grade.  Their home was very easy to find…yeah!  The boys had a nice time together, but too short.  They fed us dinner and we were on our way.  Momma was exhausted and I wanted to get back to the hotel before dark…given my poor track record with directions (which is seriously unlike me).

Everyone was tired and it wasn’t hard to get them to bed.  Cammy has a bad cold and he really looks miserable.  Poor guy.  All, in all, I think it was a pretty good day.

The Silly Band Award for behavior went to Bear Bear (who didn’t seem interest…so it went to the runner-up, Cammy).

Quotes of the day:

Audrey – “Are you sure you have your drivers license?”

Hunter – “ I seriously never thought we’d get here.”  (After we got to the hotel.)